president / head of state
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president
The head of state in a republic. In Germany this is the Bundespräsident, in the USA or France the president.
Der französische Staatspräsident hielt eine wichtige Rede zur Lage der Nation.
The French president gave an important speech on the state of the nation.
This word is made up of 'der Staat' (the state) and 'der Präsident' (the president). The 's' in the middle is a linking element that connects the two words. Literally, it is the president of the state.
Der Staatspräsident repräsentiert das Land im Ausland.
The president represents the country abroad.
'Staatspräsident' (president / head of state) is a general term. In Germany and Austria, the official title is 'Bundespräsident' (federal president). The term 'Staatspräsident' is therefore often used for the heads of state of other countries.
Der deutsche Bundeskanzler traf den chinesischen Staatspräsidenten in Berlin.
The German chancellor met the Chinese president in Berlin.
Common verbs associated with this office are 'wählen' (to elect), 'ernennen' (to appoint), or 'empfangen' (to receive). You can also say that a person 'das Amt des Staatspräsidenten innehat' (holds the office of president).
Das Volk wählt den Staatspräsidenten alle fünf Jahre.
The people elect the president every five years.
president
'der Präsident' and 'der Staatspräsident' can both mean the head of state of a republic. However, 'Präsident' is more general: the word can also refer to the leader of a club, organization, or institution. 'Staatspräsident' is more specific and refers only to the political role at the head of a state. The words are easy to confuse because in the news people often simply say 'der Präsident', even when they mean a head of state. If it is clear that a state is being discussed, 'Präsident' may be enough; if you want to emphasize the state function, 'Staatspräsident' is more precise.
Der Staatspräsident besucht morgen die Hauptstadt des Nachbarlandes.
The president is visiting the capital of the neighboring country tomorrow.
Der Präsident des Sportvereins bedankt sich bei allen Helfern.
The president of the sports club thanks all the helpers.